''[[The Hobbit films|The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'', ''[[The Hobbit films|The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'', and ''[[The Hobbit films|The Hobbit: There and Back Again]]'', known collectively as '''''The Hobbit''''', are three forthcoming live-action films based upon [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] [[1937]] [[The Hobbit|novel of the same name]].<ref name="HBTitles"/><ref name="HBTitles2"/> The three films are being directed by [[Peter Jackson]] and are conceived as prequels to Jackson's earlier project, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''.<ref name="PJCasting1"/><ref name="PJFilmThree"/>

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'''''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''''', '''''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]''''', and '''''[[The Hobbit: There and Back Again]]''''', known collectively as '''''The Hobbit''''', are three live-action films based upon [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] [[1937]] [[The Hobbit|novel of the same name]].<ref name="HBTitles"/><ref name="HBTitles2"/> The three films are being directed by [[Peter Jackson]] and are conceived as prequels to Jackson's earlier project, [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/><ref name="PJFilmThree"/>

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[[Martin Freeman]] has been cast to play the films' title role of [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/> Meanwhile [[Richard Armitage]] will portray [[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]],<ref name="PJCasting1"/> while [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] has been cast as [[Smaug]].<ref name="PJCasting4"/> Several cast members from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'' will reprise their roles, including [[Ian McKellen]] as [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]], [[Cate Blanchett]] as [[Galadriel]], [[Andy Serkis]] as [[Gollum]], and [[Elijah Wood]] as [[Frodo]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/>

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[[Martin Freeman]] has been cast to play the films' title role of [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/> Meanwhile [[Richard Armitage]] will portray [[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]],<ref name="PJCasting1"/> while [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] has been cast as [[Smaug]].<ref name="PJCasting4"/> Several cast members from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]] will reprise their roles, including [[Ian McKellen]] as [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]], [[Cate Blanchett]] as [[Galadriel]], [[Andy Serkis]] as [[Gollum]], and [[Elijah Wood]] as [[Frodo]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/>

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Filming in [[New Zealand]] began on [[21 March]], [[2011]] and ended on [[6 July]], [[2012]];<ref name="BBCNews1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12803125|articlename=Hobbit filming finally under way|dated=21-March-2011|website=[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ BBC News Online]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref><ref name="PJFilming"/> '''''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey''''' is due to be released in the United States and the United Kingdom on [[14 December]], [[2012]], with '''''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug''''' set for [[13 December]], [[2013]], and '''''The Hobbit: There and Back Again''''' set for [[18 July]], [[2014]].<ref name="HBTitles"/><ref name="HBTitles2"/>

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Filming in [[New Zealand]] began on [[21 March]], [[2011]] and ended on [[6 July]], [[2012]];<ref name="BBCNews1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12803125|articlename=Hobbit filming finally under way|dated=21-March-2011|website=[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ BBC News Online]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref><ref name="PJFilming"/> Like ''The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy'', ''The Hobbit'' films are being produced back-to-back and released over three consecutive years: '''''An Unexpected Journey''''' was released in North America on [[14 December]], [[2012]], with '''''The Desolation of Smaug''''' set for [[13 December]], [[2013]], and '''''There and Back Again''''' set for [[18 July]], [[2014]].<ref name="HBTitles"/><ref name="HBTitles2"/>

[[Peter Jackson]] initially planned to produce two films, but following the conclusion of principal photography, and on seeing early cuts of these films, he decided that he wanted 'to tell more of the tale'. Therefore on [[30 July]], [[2012]], Jackson announced that 'two films will become three'.<ref name="PJFilmThree"/><ref name="FilmThreePR">{{webcite|author=[[New Line Cinema]], [[MGM|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios]], and [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-hobbit/peter-jacksons-long-awaited-filmed-adaptation-of-the-hobbit-to-be-a-trilogy/413954741973470|articlename=PETER JACKSON’S LONG-AWAITED FILMED ADAPTATION OF THE HOBBIT TO BE A TRILOGY|dated=30-July-2012|website=Facebook|accessed=30-July-2012}}</ref>

[[Peter Jackson]] initially planned to produce two films, but following the conclusion of principal photography, and on seeing early cuts of these films, he decided that he wanted 'to tell more of the tale'. Therefore on [[30 July]], [[2012]], Jackson announced that 'two films will become three'.<ref name="PJFilmThree"/><ref name="FilmThreePR">{{webcite|author=[[New Line Cinema]], [[MGM|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios]], and [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-hobbit/peter-jacksons-long-awaited-filmed-adaptation-of-the-hobbit-to-be-a-trilogy/413954741973470|articlename=PETER JACKSON’S LONG-AWAITED FILMED ADAPTATION OF THE HOBBIT TO BE A TRILOGY|dated=30-July-2012|website=Facebook|accessed=30-July-2012}}</ref>

==Plot==

==Plot==

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''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' are expected to follow [[The_Hobbit#Synopsis|the plot]] from [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] ''[[The Hobbit]]''. The stories presented in all three films will, however, include events, locations and characters not found within the novel upon which the films are based, drawing from tales written by J.R.R. Tolkien elsewhere.

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The three ''Hobbit'' films are expected to follow [[The_Hobbit#Synopsis|the plot]] from [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] ''[[The Hobbit]]'' in addition to added details revealed in [[The Lord of the Rings Appendices|the Appendices]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

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According to a [[Warner Bros.]] press release for ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'':

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For more specific information see the plot section for each respective film:

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{{Blockquote|The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

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<br/><br/>

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''Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum.''

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<br/><br/>

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''Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.''|[[Warner Bros.]] Press Release<ref name="WBPressRelease1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.warnerbroscanada.com/index.php/coming-soon/the-hobbit/|articlename=THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY|website=[http://www.warnerbroscanada.com/ Warner Bros. Canada]|accessed=9-Feb-2012}}</ref>}}

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Plot descriptions for the second and third films have not yet been released.

*[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug#Plot|''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug''#Plot]]

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*[[The Hobbit: There and Back Again#Plot|''The Hobbit: There and Back Again''#Plot]]

==Development==

==Development==

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===Origins===

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[[Peter Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh]] first considered the possibility of filming ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' in [[1995]]. They hoped to produce three films, the first based on ''The Hobbit'', with the second and third films being adaptations of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Rights to ''The Hobbit'' proved difficult to secure because whilst [[Saul Zaentz]] owned the production rights, [[United Artists]] held the distribution rights. After much wrangling with studios and the script, filming began for the three-film adaptation of ''The Lord of the Rings''. The notion of a ''Hobbit'' film was consequently put to one side. Indeed, after completing his ''Lord of the Rings'' trilogy project, Jackson was averse to the idea of directing an adaptation of ''The Hobbit''.<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide">[[Brian Sibley]], ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Official Movie Guide]]'' (2012)</ref>

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{{Blockquote|If I were to make these films, I would be frustrated because I would be constantly thinking about what I had done on ''The Lord of the Rings''. I would somehow feel that I had to build or improve on that. I thought it would be a fairly unsatisfying experience to have to compete against my own movies.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide"/>}}

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===Directorship===

===Directorship===

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The Hobbit as a movie has been anticipated by many fans since the release of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy|The Lord of the Rings]]''. Even before the pre-production began there had been and are still possible issues which could delay the production of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. In early 2005 it came to the public attention that Jackson was suing [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="BBCNewsPJSues">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4312463.stm|articlename=Director sues over Rings profits|dated=2-Mar-2005|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> This cast doubt on whether or not The Hobbit would ever be made. Jackson later told fans that, due to the dispute, he would neither direct nor produce the film.<ref name="BBCNewsPJSues" /> In late 2007 it was confirmed that Jackson would not direct, but ''would'' be an executive producer for two Hobbit movies.<ref name="BBCNewsPJProducer">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7150644.stm|articlename=Jackson to produce Hobbit movies|dated=18-Dec-2007|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> It was later announced that [[Guillermo del Toro]] would direct the films, and that Jackson will be an active 'executive producer' with the possibility that he would help direct some scenes if necessary.<ref name="BBCNewsGdTDirector">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7366375.stm|articlename=Del Toro to direct Hobbit movies|dated=25-April-2008|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>

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The apathy of [[Peter Jackson]] was the first obstacle to block the way to a ''Hobbit'' film (or films). In early [[2005]] it came to public attention that Jackson was suing [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="BBCNewsPJSues">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4312463.stm|articlename=Director sues over Rings profits|dated=2-Mar-2005|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> This cast doubt on whether or not The Hobbit would ever be made. Jackson later told fans that, due to the dispute, he would neither direct nor produce the film.<ref name="BBCNewsPJSues" /> In late 2007 it was confirmed that Jackson would not direct, but ''would'' be an executive producer for two Hobbit movies.<ref name="BBCNewsPJProducer">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7150644.stm|articlename=Jackson to produce Hobbit movies|dated=18-Dec-2007|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> It was later announced that [[Guillermo del Toro]] would direct the films, and that Jackson will be an active 'executive producer' with the possibility that he would help direct some scenes if necessary.<ref name="BBCNewsGdTDirector">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7366375.stm|articlename=Del Toro to direct Hobbit movies|dated=25-April-2008|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>

However, on [[30 May]] [[2010]] it was revealed that del Toro could no longer commit himself to direct ''The Hobbit'' films, citing the continued delays in production in his reasoning.<ref name="BBCNewsGdTDirectorLeave">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10204138|articlename=Guillermo del Toro 'leaves' as director of The Hobbit|dated=1-June-2010|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> Peter Jackson later announced that he would direct both films.<ref name="NZHPJDirector">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10681008|articlename=The Hobbit gets green light, Jackson to direct|dated=16-Oct-2010|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ NZ Herald News]|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>

However, on [[30 May]] [[2010]] it was revealed that del Toro could no longer commit himself to direct ''The Hobbit'' films, citing the continued delays in production in his reasoning.<ref name="BBCNewsGdTDirectorLeave">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10204138|articlename=Guillermo del Toro 'leaves' as director of The Hobbit|dated=1-June-2010|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> Peter Jackson later announced that he would direct both films.<ref name="NZHPJDirector">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10681008|articlename=The Hobbit gets green light, Jackson to direct|dated=16-Oct-2010|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ NZ Herald News]|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>

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===Film Three===

===Film Three===

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At [[Wikipedia:San Diego Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic-Con International]] 2012, [[Peter Jackson]] revealed that he hoped to film more material (based on [[The Appendices]]) in [[2013]]; this led to speculation that there could be a third "Hobbit" film. These rumours gained substance following media reports that Jackson was in discussion with [[Warner Bros.]] about the notion of an additional film.<ref>{{webcite|author=Ben Fritz, Steven Zeitchik and Nicole Sperling|articleurl=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-hobbit-third-movie-jackson-20120724,0,2208206.story|articlename=|dated=24-July-2012|website=[http://www.latimes.com/ Los Angeles Times]|accessed=26-July-2012}}</ref>

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The original plan was to produce two films, entitled ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'' and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' (to be released in [[14 December]] [[2012]] and [[13 December]] [[2013]] respectively).<ref name="HBTitles"/>

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With principle photography coming to a close in [[July]], [[2012]],<ref name="PJFilming">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151062342726558&set=a.10150238899061558.364437.141884481557&type=1|articlename=We made it!|dated=6-July-2012|website=FB|accessed=6-July-2012}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] began to discuss the notion of a third film with [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]].<ref name="EmpireDecember2012">Ian Nathan, 'An Unexpected Trilogy', ''Empire'', 282 (December 2012)</ref>

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At [[Wikipedia:San Diego Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic-Con International]] 2012, [[Peter Jackson]] revealed that he hoped to film more material (based on [[The Appendices]]) in [[2013]]; this led to speculation that there could be a third "Hobbit" film. These rumours gained substance following media reports that Jackson was in discussion with [[Warner Bros.]] about the notion of an additional film.<ref>{{webcite|author=Ben Fritz, Steven Zeitchik and Nicole Sperling|articleurl=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-hobbit-third-movie-jackson-20120724,0,2208206.story|articlename=|dated=24-July-2012|website=[http://www.latimes.com/ Los Angeles Times]|accessed=26-July-2012}}</ref> It later emerged that Walsh and Boyens were sent to Los Angeles to pitch the idea to [[Warner Bros.]] whilst Jackson continued to shoot footage.<ref name="EmpireDecember2012"/>

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On [[30 July]], [[2012]], [[Peter Jackson]] announced that there would indeed be a third "Hobbit" film. After watching the early cuts of the first two films, Jackson, [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]] decided that they wanted to take a chance to tell even more of the story.<ref name="PJFilmThree">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/an-unexpected-journey/10151114596546558|articlename=An unexpected journery|dated=30-July-2012|website=Facebook|accessed=20-July-2012}}</ref> He argued,

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On [[30 July]], [[2012]], [[Peter Jackson]] announced that there would indeed be a third "Hobbit" film. After watching the early cuts of the first two films, Jackson, Walsh and Boyens decided that they wanted to tell more of the story.<ref name="PJFilmThree">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/an-unexpected-journey/10151114596546558|articlename=An unexpected journery|dated=30-July-2012|website=Facebook|accessed=20-July-2012}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|We know how much of the story of [[Bilbo Baggins]], the Wizard [[Gandalf]], the Dwarves of [[Erebor]], the rise of the [[Sauron|Necromancer]], and the Battle of [[Dol Guldur]] will remain untold if we do not take this chance. The richness of the story of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', as well as some of the related material in the appendices of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJFilmThree"/>}}

{{Blockquote|We know how much of the story of [[Bilbo Baggins]], the Wizard [[Gandalf]], the Dwarves of [[Erebor]], the rise of the [[Sauron|Necromancer]], and the Battle of [[Dol Guldur]] will remain untold if we do not take this chance. The richness of the story of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', as well as some of the related material in the appendices of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJFilmThree"/>}}

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On [[31 August]], [[2012]], it was revealed that the titles of the second and third films would be ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'' and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' respectively. The release of the first and second film remained unchanged, whilst the third film is due for release on [[18 July]], [[2014]].<ref name="HBTitles2"/>

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On [[31 August]], [[2012]], it was revealed that the titles of the second and third films would be ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit: There and Back Again]]'' respectively. The release of the first and second film remained unchanged, whilst the third film is due for release on [[18 July]], [[2014]].<ref name="HBTitles2"/>

==Filming==

==Filming==

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[[File:New Line Cinema - Peter Jackson Filming.jpg|thumb|right|Peter Jackson on the last day of principal photography.]]Back-to-back filming for ''The Hobbit'' films began [[21 March]], [[2011]].<ref name="BBCNews1"/> All location filming was done at sites across [[New Zealand]], and most on-set filming took place at [[Stone Street Studio]], [[Wellington]].<ref name="ProductionVideo7">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151028043926807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #7|dated=6-June-2011|website=FB|accessed=6-June-2012}}</ref> Filming also took place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom in [[July]], [[2011]]. Using their F Stage and N&P Stages, the production filmed scenes with [[Christopher Lee]] who could not fly to New Zealand.<ref name="Pinewood1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/our-studios/uk/news/hobbit-pinewood|articlename=The Hobbit at Pinewood|website=[http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/ Pinewood Studios]|accessed=02-August-2012}}</ref><ref name="ProductionVideo3">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150326323406807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #3|dated=21-July-2011|website=FB|accessed=02-August-2012}}</ref>

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[[File:The Hobbit (film series) - Peter Jackson Filming.jpg|thumb|right|Peter Jackson on the last day of principal photography.]]Back-to-back filming for ''The Hobbit'' films began [[21 March]], [[2011]].<ref name="BBCNews1"/> All location filming was done at sites across [[New Zealand]], and most on-set filming took place at [[Stone Street Studio]], [[Wellington]].<ref name="ProductionVideo7">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151028043926807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #7|dated=6-June-2011|website=FB|accessed=6-June-2012}}</ref> Filming also took place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom in [[July]], [[2011]]. Using their F Stage and N&P Stages, the production filmed scenes with [[Christopher Lee]] who could not fly to New Zealand.<ref name="Pinewood1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/our-studios/uk/news/hobbit-pinewood|articlename=The Hobbit at Pinewood|website=[http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/ Pinewood Studios]|accessed=02-August-2012}}</ref><ref name="ProductionVideo3">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150326323406807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #3|dated=21-July-2011|website=FB|accessed=02-August-2012}}</ref>

<!--A list of location sites would be good. Also mention the filming that took place in the UK.-->

<!--A list of location sites would be good. Also mention the filming that took place in the UK.-->

Although "pick-up" filming had already been planned for [[2013]], it emerged that extra filming would need to take place to accommodate the expansion of the project from two films into three.<ref name="EmpireDecember2012"/>

''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' are being filmed in 3D using [[Wikipedia:Red Digital Cinema Camera Company|RED Epic]] cameras. A rig designed by [[Wikipedia:3ality Technica|3ality Technica]] is being used in the filming of the three films; here two cameras and a mirror are used in order to achieve an intraocular effect similar to that of a human's (the distance between the eyes). This is how the depth required for 3D film is achieved.<ref name="ProductionVideo4">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150451523596807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #4|dated=4-Nov-2011|website=FB|accessed=10-Feb-2012}}</ref>

''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' are being filmed in 3D using [[Wikipedia:Red Digital Cinema Camera Company|RED Epic]] cameras. A rig designed by [[Wikipedia:3ality Technica|3ality Technica]] is being used in the filming of the three films; here two cameras and a mirror are used in order to achieve an intraocular effect similar to that of a human's (the distance between the eyes). This is how the depth required for 3D film is achieved.<ref name="ProductionVideo4">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150451523596807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #4|dated=4-Nov-2011|website=FB|accessed=10-Feb-2012}}</ref>

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===48 frames per second===

===48 frames per second===

Breaking with conventional filming techniques, ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' are being filmed by capturing 48 frames per second (FPS), twice the normal film standard of 24 frames per second. This makes the film look far more realistic. When describing what people thought when they saw clips of ''The Hobbit'' shown at 48 frames per second, Peter Jackson said that it's 'like the back of the cinema has had a hole cut out of it where the screen is and you're actually looking into the real world'.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>

Breaking with conventional filming techniques, ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' are being filmed by capturing 48 frames per second (FPS), twice the normal film standard of 24 frames per second. This makes the film look far more realistic. When describing what people thought when they saw clips of ''The Hobbit'' shown at 48 frames per second, Peter Jackson said that it's 'like the back of the cinema has had a hole cut out of it where the screen is and you're actually looking into the real world'.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>

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Jackson later discussed the advantages of filming at higher frame rate and in 3D.

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{{Blockquote|Now, in the digital age, there’s no reason whatsoever to stick to 24 fps. [...] Science tells us that the human eye stops seeing individual pictures at about 55 fps. Therefore, shooting at 48 fps gives you much more of an illusion of real life. The reduced motion blur on each frame increases sharpness and gives the movie the look of having been shot in 65mm or IMAX. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that your eye is seeing twice the number of images each second, giving the movie a wonderful immersive quality. It makes the 3D experience much more gentle and hugely reduces eyestrain. Much of what makes 3D viewing uncomfortable for some people is the fact that each eye is processing a lot of strobing, blur and flicker. This all but disappears in HFR 3D.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJHFR3D">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/qa-on-hfr-3d/10151299493836558|articlename=Q&A ON HFR 3D|dated=19-November-2012|website=FB|accessed=19-November-2012}}</ref>}}

Additionally, the ''The Hobbit'' films are being filmed at a 5K resolution. This is substantially larger than the conventional 1080 HD resolution. The films are being filmed digitally onto 128 GB memory cards that fit into the RED Epic camera.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>

Additionally, the ''The Hobbit'' films are being filmed at a 5K resolution. This is substantially larger than the conventional 1080 HD resolution. The films are being filmed digitally onto 128 GB memory cards that fit into the RED Epic camera.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>

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==Games and merchandise==

==Games and merchandise==

===Video games===

===Video games===

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In [[2011]] the ''Los Angeles Times'' reported that [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] would release a video game based on ''The Hobbit'' in [[2012]], before the release of ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Ben Fritz|articleurl=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/18/business/la-fi-1018-ct-warner-interactive-20111018/2|articlename=Warner's approach to video games is paying off|dated=18 October 2011|website=Las Angeles Times|accessed=2 March 2012}}</ref>

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In late [[2011]], the ''Los Angeles Times'' reported that [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] would release a video game based on ''The Hobbit'' in lieu of the release of ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'' in December [[2012]].<ref>{{webcite|author=Ben Fritz|articleurl=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/18/business/la-fi-1018-ct-warner-interactive-20111018/2|articlename=Warner's approach to video games is paying off|dated=18 October 2011|website=[http://www.latimes.com/ ''Los Angeles Times'']|accessed=2 March 2012}}</ref>

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In September [[2012]], [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] announced that it would produce two free-to-play video games, in co-operation with [[Kabam]].

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*The first, a mobile-phone game named ''[[The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth]]'', was released in November 2012. In this game the player is able to manage his own kingdom and play as either [[Elves]] or [[Dwarves]].<ref name="IGN-Kingdom and Armies">{{webcite|author=Luke Karmali|articleurl=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/26/warner-bros-announces-the-hobbit-games|articlename=Warner Bros. Announces The Hobbit Games|dated=26 September 2012|website=[http://www.ign.com IGN]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.kabam.com/nl/the-hobbit-kingdoms|articlename=THE HOBBIT: KINGDOMS OF MIDDLE-EARTH|dated=|website=[http://www.kabam.com Kabam]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref>

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*The second, a strategic browser-based game called ''[[The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age]]'', allows the player to play as either the [[Elves]], [[Dwarves]] or [[Orcs]] (including several heroes from ''The Hobbit'' films). It is is unknown when ''The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age'' will be released.<ref name="IGN-Kingdom and Armies"/><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.kabam.com/nl/the-hobbit-armies|articlename=THE HOBBIT: ARMIES OF THE THIRD AGE|dated=|website=[http://www.kabam.com Kabam]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref>

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''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'', a "Multiplayer Online Battle Arena" video game by Monolith Productions, will include some playable characters ("guardians") from The Hobbit films. Additional The Hobbit "guardians" will be added after the release of The Hobbit, to tie in with the films.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/game|articlename=Game Info|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/ Guardians of Middle-earth]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref>

===Lego===

===Lego===

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*Design and production of weaponry, armour, and prosthetics - [[Weta Workshop]] overseen by [[Richard Taylor]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>

*Design and production of weaponry, armour, and prosthetics - [[Weta Workshop]] overseen by [[Richard Taylor]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>

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===Confirmed cast===

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===Cast===

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[[File:New Line Cinema - cast.jpg|right|thumb|'Bilbo' and the 'thirteen dwarves' <small>(N.B. Rob Kazinsky has since been replaced by Dean O'Gorman to play Fíli).<ref name="PJCasting2"/></small>|400px]]

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[[File:The Hobbit (film series) - cast.jpg|right|thumb|'Bilbo' and the 'thirteen dwarves' <small>(N.B. Rob Kazinsky has since been replaced by Dean O'Gorman to play Fíli).<ref name="PJCasting2"/></small>|400px]]

Peter Jackson initially planned to produce two films, but following the conclusion of principal photography, and on seeing early cuts of these films, he decided that he wanted 'to tell more of the tale'. Therefore on 30 July, 2012, Jackson announced that 'two films will become three'.[5][9]

Development

Origins

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh first considered the possibility of filming The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in 1995. They hoped to produce three films, the first based on The Hobbit, with the second and third films being adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Rights to The Hobbit proved difficult to secure because whilst Saul Zaentz owned the production rights, United Artists held the distribution rights. After much wrangling with studios and the script, filming began for the three-film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. The notion of a Hobbit film was consequently put to one side. Indeed, after completing his Lord of the Rings trilogy project, Jackson was averse to the idea of directing an adaptation of The Hobbit.[10]

If I were to make these films, I would be frustrated because I would be constantly thinking about what I had done on The Lord of the Rings. I would somehow feel that I had to build or improve on that. I thought it would be a fairly unsatisfying experience to have to compete against my own movies.—Peter Jackson[10]

Directorship

The apathy of Peter Jackson was the first obstacle to block the way to a Hobbit film (or films). In early 2005 it came to public attention that Jackson was suing New Line Cinema.[11] This cast doubt on whether or not The Hobbit would ever be made. Jackson later told fans that, due to the dispute, he would neither direct nor produce the film.[11] In late 2007 it was confirmed that Jackson would not direct, but would be an executive producer for two Hobbit movies.[12] It was later announced that Guillermo del Toro would direct the films, and that Jackson will be an active 'executive producer' with the possibility that he would help direct some scenes if necessary.[13]

However, on 30 May2010 it was revealed that del Toro could no longer commit himself to direct The Hobbit films, citing the continued delays in production in his reasoning.[14] Peter Jackson later announced that he would direct both films.[15]

The Tolkien Estate's legal action against New Line Cinema

The estate has [...] asked for a court order giving them the ability to terminate any rights the studio have to make films based on other Tolkien works, including The Hobbit.—BBC News Online[16]

Production of The Hobbit films was held up by the Tolkien Estate's legal action against New Line Cinema. The Estate should have received 7.5 per cent of all profits from the films under the agreement made by J.R.R. Tolkien with United Artists in 1969. Crucially, they also sought to stop the production of The Hobbit films until the case was settled.[16] The legal row was finally settled in September 2009 after the Tolkien Estate successfully sued New Line Cinema for breach of contract and fraud, receiving a reported $220 million in compensation.[17]

Industrial dispute in New Zealand

Even before the issue of the directorship had been settled, and before the project was given the go-ahead by the studios, the International Federation of Actors (IFA) told actors to actively avoid participation in the production of The Hobbit films.[18] The IFA issued this "Do Not Work Order", on 24 September, 2010, on the basis that the studios refused to engage in union-negotiated contracts.[19] Meanwhile the studios argued that they could not make an agreement with a trade union under New Zealand law.[18]

Peter Jackson subsequently warned that the dispute could lead to a huge delay and that production could easily transfer to Eastern Europe.[20] John Key, the incumbent Prime Minister of New Zealand, weighed in on the dispute saying that he hoped the dispute would not force The Hobbit production to move overseas. He also announced that the New Zealand government had gotten involved in the discussions.[21]

Whilst the studios announced that filming would begin the following February,[22] the dispute remained unsettled. With the studios seriously considering moving the production abroad, large numbers of New Zealanders protested in Auckland, Wellington, and Christ Church.[23] A settlement was finally reached on 27 October, 2010, with the Prime Minister himself announcing the news, hoping to prevent the loss of jobs in New Zealand and to reinforce the country's Tolkien tourism industry.[24] As part of the agreement, the New Zealand government passed legislation which clarified that film industry workers are independent contractors rather than employees.[25] Filming finally began on 21 March, 2011.[7]

Film Three

The original plan was to produce two films, entitled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again (to be released in 14 December2012 and 13 December2013 respectively).[1]

At San Diego Comic-Con International 2012, Peter Jackson revealed that he hoped to film more material (based on The Appendices) in 2013; this led to speculation that there could be a third "Hobbit" film. These rumours gained substance following media reports that Jackson was in discussion with Warner Bros. about the notion of an additional film.[27] It later emerged that Walsh and Boyens were sent to Los Angeles to pitch the idea to Warner Bros. whilst Jackson continued to shoot footage.[26]

On 30 July, 2012, Peter Jackson announced that there would indeed be a third "Hobbit" film. After watching the early cuts of the first two films, Jackson, Walsh and Boyens decided that they wanted to tell more of the story.[5]

We know how much of the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Wizard Gandalf, the Dwarves of Erebor, the rise of the Necromancer, and the Battle of Dol Guldur will remain untold if we do not take this chance. The richness of the story of The Hobbit, as well as some of the related material in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.—Peter Jackson[5]

Technical details

3D

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again are being filmed in 3D using RED Epic cameras. A rig designed by 3ality Technica is being used in the filming of the three films; here two cameras and a mirror are used in order to achieve an intraocular effect similar to that of a human's (the distance between the eyes). This is how the depth required for 3D film is achieved.[31]

Most of John Howe's and Alan Lee's concept art has continued to be produced in 2D. However, they have collaborated on 3D pieces using the simple red and blue 3D effect.[31]

48 frames per second

Breaking with conventional filming techniques, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again are being filmed by capturing 48 frames per second (FPS), twice the normal film standard of 24 frames per second. This makes the film look far more realistic. When describing what people thought when they saw clips of The Hobbit shown at 48 frames per second, Peter Jackson said that it's 'like the back of the cinema has had a hole cut out of it where the screen is and you're actually looking into the real world'.[31]

Jackson later discussed the advantages of filming at higher frame rate and in 3D.

Now, in the digital age, there’s no reason whatsoever to stick to 24 fps. [...] Science tells us that the human eye stops seeing individual pictures at about 55 fps. Therefore, shooting at 48 fps gives you much more of an illusion of real life. The reduced motion blur on each frame increases sharpness and gives the movie the look of having been shot in 65mm or IMAX. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that your eye is seeing twice the number of images each second, giving the movie a wonderful immersive quality. It makes the 3D experience much more gentle and hugely reduces eyestrain. Much of what makes 3D viewing uncomfortable for some people is the fact that each eye is processing a lot of strobing, blur and flicker. This all but disappears in HFR 3D.—Peter Jackson[32]

Additionally, the The Hobbit films are being filmed at a 5K resolution. This is substantially larger than the conventional 1080 HD resolution. The films are being filmed digitally onto 128 GB memory cards that fit into the RED Epic camera.[31]

One of the drawbacks of filming 48 frames per second at 5K resolution is that the make-up, prosthetic, prop, set, and costume departments have to work differently. For example, the make-up and prosthetic departments have to redden up the faces of the actors much more than usual because otherwise their skin colour will turn up yellow on the final film. Furthermore, real hair has to be used in order to achieve an authentic look when it moves around.[31]

Ten minutes of footage was shown at 48 FPS during the Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon2012. The reaction was mixed. The Los Angeles Times described the picture as 'hyper-realistic' and the Associated Press described 'vivid, with grass blades, facial lines and soaring mountains appearing luminous and pronounced. The actors looked almost touchable, as if they were performing live on stage'. However, an anonymous projectionist said that '[i]t looked like a made-for-TV movie'.[33][34]

Guardians of Middle-earth, a "Multiplayer Online Battle Arena" video game by Monolith Productions, will include some playable characters ("guardians") from The Hobbit films. Additional The Hobbit "guardians" will be added after the release of The Hobbit, to tie in with the films.[39]

Lego

On 17 December, 2011, it was announced that the Lego Group had received the rights to create Lego sets based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The first sets on The Hobbit are scheduled to be released in the end of 2012.[40]